The Emeraude was designed by Claude Piel. It originated in the 1950s with the CP.30. Since then an array of variants (fundamentally different in terms of engine, cabin size and aerobatic properties) have been offered. The general configuration remains a single-engined, low-wing monoplane, of which the CP.301 is perhaps the classic example. The Emeraude has been available as a licence-built product in its variant types in a number of countries. Plans remain available for home-build versions. Variants include the one-seat CP.90 Pinocchio, the three- or four-seat Super Diamante and the aerobatic CP.70/750 Beryl.